I think it's important to remember one of the primary functions of the spot tracker. Sure it allows folks at home to follow their friends/ family etc and it provides a measure of transparency with regard to adherence to the rules, but IMO the most important job they do is provide a layer of safety for every rider.

Having a bunch of blue dot stalkers watching over you is a great comfort (and incentive). The guy who went awol in Yellowstone is probably pretty happy he had a spot on him. Riding lonely rural roads in the wee small hours can be a scary experience for some, and having a gps tracker does make you feel that bit better.

In all the talk of DQ's and orange dots (which I like in concept), I reckon it's important that as many dots as possible stay "alive" and on screen. I think it's good for everyone involved, racers, stalkers, supporters and organisers, etc....

Looks like Lorenzo & Geof are making a night run to try to avoid the heat and thunderstorms....the K&S tandem has had a very long slow day...

In NZ, both the brevets run here have a rule like that. The Great Southern Brevet had a 4 hour sleep zone, the Kiwi Brevet a 6 hour sleep zone. The 4 hour didn't really affect decision making, but the 6 hour did at times (especially in a short (4-7 day event). I will note, that the organisers try to make the these events more participation based, rather than race based.... In reality, I don't see that they add alot because most peoplke stop for these times anyway. They do however add to the intrigue and strategy, and to some degree the safety of the event.

The idea is that you are getting route info by traveling forward on the route.  Still seems harsh, but that's the justification.

Like the same info you would have if you rode the route the year before?

I'm sure others have noticed, but I note that Walter Brumniach & Evan Deutsch took the I 15 alternate coming into Butte, rather than the new route. Does that count them out of the "race"? Looks like they got to Basin late and baulked at the thought of the new section in the prevailing weather conditions....

From Mike's twitter...

"off line and off tracking today, higher tracking rate means batteries dead. Holed up near Walmart in Pittsburg ready to get them in the am"

Hey Angler.  Thanks for the photo of Geof. 
- Denise

Great to see three Kiwi rookies all from the same home town (Alexandra) doing well in tough conditions. Geof, Rob Davidson & Scottie (Ken Scott) all chugging along. Keep it going lads!

I'm guessing some riders have their spot trackers buried in bags in the weather they're getting, so maybe that's why they are slow to update....

Also, what is the route composition?  I saw some rail-trail, but is there singletrack, gravel, or is it mostly road riding? 

I don't think anyone has done the analysis on this yet. There's going to be a bunch of gravel road, quite a bit of tarmac, some very good single track, quite a few cycle trails in awesome locations, a few ferry rides and at least one beach ride. I chatted with Jonathan the other day and he's still tossing up on the details.... hike-a-bike or not? Not decided yet......